Let’s be real: While it’s great to get life advice from your friends and family on most things, there are some topics best left to the professionals—like your period. Fortunately, gynos have basically seen and heard everything under the sun when it comes to what’s going on down there, so even questions you consider totally gross or taboo are completely normal for them.
Here, two docs break down their most frequently asked period Qs.
Is it normal that my period lasts only two days? How 'bout as long as 12?
“While period length varies per person, the average duration of a period is from three to seven days,” explains New York City-based gynecologist Rebecca Brightman, MD.
Generally speaking, anything longer than seven days isn’t considered normal, meaning you should check in with your gyno to see what’s up. “Periods that last more than seven days may have an underlying cause, including stress, hormone imbalance, infection, or more,” adds NYC-based women’s health expert Jennifer Wider, MD, who also hosts a weekly radio show on Sirius called “Am I Normal?”
Another thing to check in with your doctor about: If your period length is all over the place, jumping from three days one cycle to seven the next. “The key is to get a sense of what’s normal for you, and then, if your cycle doesn’t match up in comparison to previous cycles, consult your gyno,” says Brightman.
Is it normal to see blood that's not red during my period?
While you might think that period blood should always be fire-truck red, it’s totally normal for it to be darker—or even lighter, too. “Periods can vary from one to the other, and from person to person,” says Wider. One period can start off red and turn brown toward the end, she explains, or vice-versa. And the consistency of the blood can change too.
Is it normal that my period is really heavy and I go through multiple tampons or pads per day?
It depends on the number. “Having to change your tampon or pad every three to four hours is considered normal,” explains Brightman. Anything more than that—i.e. you’re changing it almost every hour for several days in a row—could signal a deeper health issue, and you may want to speak to your doctor.
U by Kotex Security Maxi Pads (3 Packs of 44)
U by Kotex Security Maxi Pads (3 Packs of 44)
Another factor to consider is which day of your period you’re on. “Many women experience a heavier flow on the first and second days of their periods, and then it starts to get lighter,” explains Wider.
Your best option is to go for the products that are designed to help you handle your particular flow that day. U by Kotex Security Maxi Pads, for example, have an extra-absorbent core that offers maximum protection for your heaviest flow on your peak days. On other days when your flow isn’t as strong, try U by Kotex Security Ultra Thin Pads, which still have crazy-fast absorption to help stop leaks, but also have a slimmer shape for when you don’t necessarily need to do the most.
Is it normal that my period seems to come every other month?
Irregular periods are normal at the beginning, in the first couple years after you get your first period, explains Wider. But as you get older, it should start to come more regularly, she says. “Getting your period once every four to five weeks is considered normal at that point,” says Brightman.
There are a couple factors that could prevent this from happening. For one thing, if you’re not taking in enough calories or are exercising an extreme amount, you may not get your period at all and you should check in with your doctor. Another factor to consider is an endocrine problem. “Getting your period every other month means you’re not ovulating as regularly, which could signal an underlying issue,” cautions Brightman. If that’s the case, be sure to let your gyno know so she can help you figure out the root cause.
Is it normal that I sometimes bleed through my tampon at night?
Definitely—and blood flow can vary throughout your cycle, too. “Many girls bleed through a tampon or pad in the first few days of their periods,” says Wider.
U by Kotex AllNighter Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings (Pack of 6)
U by Kotex AllNighter Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings (Pack of 6)
One way to handle the excess bleeding: Make sure you use an extra-absorbent tampon or pad, like U by Kotex AllNighter Ultra Thin Pads. They’re specifically designed to help you sleep through the night without worry, thanks to an Xpress DRIcore that draws in wetness and an extra-long shape with wings so that no spot is left uncovered.
Is it normal that I get completely ravenous the week before my period?
The feeling that you could house an entire pizza before your period is definitely normal. It all has to do with fluctuating hormones—specifically, the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for this increase in appetite. “Your body produces progesterone in greater quantities right after ovulation, which is why you get so hungry and may crave things like carbs and sugar,” explains Brightman.
Is it normal that my poop gets weird during my period?
It’s definitely not just you—gynos says that weird poop is part of the deal when it comes to getting your period. You can thank chemicals called prostaglandins for this lovely occurrence, explains Brightman. “When you get your period, the uterine lining breaks down, and during that process, your body makes prostaglandins, which can make you crampy, and cause indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea.”
In other words: No, you are not imagining your weird poop issues. They are real, and (fortunately) they don’t last forever.
